Nieto is a name synonymous with Grand Prix racing success. Angel Nieto has 13 (or 12+1 as the superstitious superstar has it) world titles to his name so it’s odd to see his name - but not him - running a team formed with the specific mission of raising young Italian talent.
There is a hot but usually good-natured rivalry between the two countries, mainly due to the fact that after the golden years of the Italian domination when Loris Capirossi, Max Biaggi or Valentino Rossi were in charge, there was a period when the Spanish riders took the supremacy in all the three classes.
This prompted a new start from the grass roots, with the best kids coming from CIV, the Italian Championship run by the Italian Motorcycle Federation. The project was built by Rossi, who created the VR46 Academy, and the important partnership with SKY, the TV broadcaster of MotoGP in Italy, devoted to the launch of new talents in all the different fields. On top of this Italian structure is Pablo Nieto, son of Angel, team manager of the VR46 Sky Racing Team.
“For me it’s not strange as a Spaniard, I have been a friend of Valentino, before starting to work for the team. We know each other from 18 or 19 years. We met for the first time in 1997 in Madrid in occasion of an Aprilia presentation. We got along well and we have spent a lot of time together in Ibiza during the summer holidays,” he says.
But the friendship alone was not enough. Nieto showed professionalism and results such as the Moto3 title won with Maverick Vinales in 2013.
“We are friends, but I think they choose me because we have a similar mentality. We think that we are lucky to work in the MotoGP paddock. We are professional but we enjoy what we do.”
Growing up in the paddock, becoming a team manager was a sort of vocation, especially because he could count on a deep understanding of how the riders think, considered that he was racing himself till 2008.
First of all, is such an important last name hindering or helping?
“Not at all, my father has always been the reference, my hero. We were famous already when we were kids and we were playing in the paddock. I have learned a lot from my father and I try to transmit to the young riders my experience.”
What do you think Valentino Rossi and Angel Nieto have in common?
“They have many things in common. They are very similar. I don’t speak about the riding style or their records, but in their approach to life. What really surprises me is that they both deeply enjoy what they do. They love racing and they have fun. My father, for example, has celebrated 50 years in the paddock, and still enjoys it. They also like to have everything under control. This is another important feature that they have in common.”
What have you learned from them that you also apply in your job?
“I think the key is to have a good atmosphere in the garage. It has to be like a family but with a lot of respect and professionalism. Each one has to know what to do in that particular moment. A clear division of the positions is also crucial. To give always the maximum throughout the season is important and this starts from every single mechanic. Regarding working with the team. What I learned from my father is that it is important to always keep the foot down. This is a wonderful world but it’s easy for a 16-year-old rider to get lost because they are so young and they earn money, go on TV. This is what I try to transmit them. Not only I have been a rider and I understand their mentality, when you are a rider, it’s difficult to accept that someone tells you that you make a mistake. They need someone they trust.”
How has this season been?
“The most positive thing is the growth of all our riders. The negative point is the story of Romano Fenati. He has an incredible talent and a strong temperament but we also have our responsibilities. I also made some mistakes.”
Who will be the next Valentino Rossi?
“SKY and VR46 have this mission. Valentino saw that 10-12 years ago Spain worked really hard with promotional trophies and the result was the supremacy of the Spanish riders. Now Valentino Rossi is raising the most talented riders and he has the structure: the VR46 Academy and the Ranch.
“The project in the world championship is possible thanks to an important partner like SKY. Who will be the future world champion? Nicolò Bulega is a very strong rider. He has done a very positive championship, he is fifth in the championship despite being involved in two incidents in the last two races. He has the talent and the hunger to be world champion. He needs to grow as this is only his debut year. Also Migno surprised me. He works so hard: he wants to try to be world champion and he has the potential to make it. He has understood that if Bulega does two hours in the gym, he does four, if Binder spends three hours, Migno does six. He is very determined.”
Next year an important set forward with a Moto2 team...
“Yes, we will double the efforts and the numbers of people involved. We will have the Junior team in Spain in the junior championship with two riders, a team in Moto3 and one in Moto2 with two riders. Pecco Bagnaia has showed his talent, he is tall and I think that he will do well in Moto2. We would have loved to do the Moto2 with KTM but being their first year they have preferred to wait. I’m sure that KTM will do well also in Moto2.”
Then the debut in MotoGP?
“Why not? It would be great…”